Cult Cinema Weekender
Every May Day bank holiday, Hastings pulls on its best leafy hats, badger masks and veridian suits, and celebrates Jack In the Green. This year, we’re joining in for the whole weekend. Along with Strange Frames, we’ve cherry picked some of the finest folk horror and wyrd Britain classics.
The sun rises on the festival with a screening of Magick Hastings, Michael Smith and Maxy Bianco’s exploration of our town’s occult layers, through rarely-shown unsettling rural parable Robin Redbreast to the devilish thrills of Blood on Satan’s Claw, the pagan chills of Penda’s Fen, into the now traditional climax of The Wicker Man, this year showing in Director’s Cut and Singalong form!
Come, celebrate dark rituals, the old ways, and the power of nature with these most atmospheric and British of films. All together, 'Sumer is icumen in!"
Magick Hastings and Stranger on the Shore + filmmaker's Q&A
Friday 1 May 7.30pm
As the final resting place of Aleister Crowley, our town holds many secrets. Uncover the esoteric underbelly of Hastings with this fascinating documentary.
Robin Redbreast + intro
Saturday 2 May 3pm
Norah moves to a remote house in the country for a fresh start. The locals seem friendly, if eccentric, but her flirtation with a new beau leaves her trapped in a nightmare.
Blood on Satan's Claw
Saturday 2 May 7.30pm
In early 18th century England, the children of a village slowly convert into a coven of devil worshippers in this colourful cult British horror.
Penda's Fen
Sunday 3 May 11am
England's pagan past is seen through the growing pains of Stephen, a vicar's son, who starts to encounter strange apparitions. A 70s folk horror classic and an Electric Palace Jack in the Green tradition!
The Wicker Man - Director's Cut and Singalong
Sunday 3 May 3pm + 7.30pm
It is time to keep your appointment with the Wicker Man. The cult classic returns for our traditional Jack in the Green screening! Choose from director's cut or singalong version.